KARACHI: The Additional District and Sessions Judge-XI (South) Karachi has directed the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) to refer a case of gross medical negligence involving Dr. Naeem Karim Bhatti and Haleema Medical Center, Nawabshah, to law enforcement agencies for necessary action under the relevant laws.
The order pertains to a serious incident in which a minor patient admitted for a hernia operation was mistakenly subjected to circumcision without parental consent, resulting in the amputation of the glans penis and causing the child permanent physical and psychological disability.
According to case details, the Sindh Healthcare Commission had earlier completed its complaint management proceedings and found medical negligence on part of both the doctor and the medical center, imposing a penalty of PKR 100,000 each. However, both Dr. Bhatti and the medical center challenged the SHCC’s decision in court.
The appellate court dismissed their appeal, upheld the SHCC’s findings, and enhanced the fine to PKR 500,000 each in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Sindh Healthcare Commission Act, 2013.
Furthermore, the court directed that the case be forwarded to the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) for possible disciplinary action, including suspension or cancellation of the doctor’s license, and to law enforcement authorities for legal proceedings under the applicable laws.
The decision underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on accountability and enforcement of healthcare standards under the Sindh Healthcare Commission Act.
